This minestrone soup recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a bowl of comfort. Packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth, this classic dish is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. It’s nutritious, easy to whip up, and the leftovers are just as flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something warm, this minestrone soup will surely satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nourishing Ingredients: This soup is loaded with fresh vegetables and beans, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, even beginners can create a delicious minestrone soup without stress.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or herbs for a unique twist every time.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup appeals to all ages with its comforting taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking your minestrone soup, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly and allows plenty of space for simmering.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through veggies quick and easy.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls without spills.
Ingredients
This minestrone soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a delicious tomato broth. This classic soup is nourishing, easy to make, and makes amazing leftovers!
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
Broth & Seasoning
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Beans & Pasta
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
Garnishes
- Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high until it comes to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat so it’s simmering. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Pasta
Stir in the pasta. Continue simmering uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until both pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, season generously with salt & pepper. Stir in basil if using. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If too thick after resting or storing leftovers, add a splash more broth to thin it out.
Enjoy your homemade minestrone soup!
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your minestrone soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth, adding texture and flavor.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of each bowl before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color.
With a Side Salad
- Serve your minestrone soup alongside a light salad. A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors of the soup nicely.
Garnished with Cheese
- Add freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory finish. It melts slightly into the warm soup, enhancing its taste.
With a Squeeze of Lemon
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors in your minestrone soup. It adds a zesty touch that balances the richness.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
To make your minestrone soup truly outstanding, consider these tips that elevate its flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables provide vibrant flavor and nutrients. Choose seasonal produce for the best taste.
- Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper based on your preference to ensure balanced seasoning.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for variety. Black beans or chickpeas can offer unique flavors.
- Add Spinach or Kale: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its hearty nature. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunch and creaminess that contrast nicely with the soup’s warmth.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make an excellent light appetizer.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, cheese, or meat and provide a filling accompaniment to the lightness of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A platter featuring olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables adds an Italian flair to your meal.
- Polenta Cakes: Soft or crispy polenta cakes offer a creamy texture that works wonderfully alongside minestrone soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil will enhance your Italian-inspired meal beautifully.
- Roasted Veggies: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables provides additional nutrients while matching well with the flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making minestrone soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables first enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
- Using overcooked pasta: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Add it near the end of cooking for perfect texture.
- Not seasoning properly: Underseasoned soup can taste bland. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go for the best flavor.
- Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and depth. Always consider adding basil or parsley before serving.
- Using canned beans without rinsing: Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and improves flavor. Always rinse your beans before adding them to the pot.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian dish filled with vegetables, beans, and pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth.
Can I customize my minestrone soup?
Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you have on hand or adjust the types of beans and pasta based on your preferences.
How do I thicken minestrone soup?
If your minestrone soup is too thin, you can mash some of the beans or add more pasta. Simmer longer to allow it to thicken naturally.
Is minestrone soup healthy?
Yes, minestrone soup is packed with nutrients from various vegetables and legumes, making it a wholesome meal option.
Final Thoughts
This minestrone soup recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal vegetables. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian dish that embodies warmth and comfort in every bowl. This vibrant vegetable soup is brimming with fresh ingredients, including hearty beans and pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Not only is it nutritious and satisfying, but it also offers incredible versatility—perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners. The best part? Leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld overnight! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply seeking a comforting meal, this minestrone soup will surely impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or veggie broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney beans (drained)
- ¾ cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- Fresh basil and parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté for 7–10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, both types of beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to high until boiling.
- Reduce heat to simmer; cover slightly open and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Top with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
